US backs $2.4 billion airport security investment proposal for Pakistan

The United States administration has backed a $2.4 billion investment proposal by an American firm to install advanced passenger data and security systems at major airports in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported. 

According to official documents, US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker backed a proposal by Securiport to deploy Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems and urged Pakistani authorities to consider the offer.

The proposed system would enable data transfer from airlines to the government while ensuring that Pakistan retains full ownership and control of the data, with 24/7 operational support and training included.

Securiport has offered to finance the entire upfront cost of the project and recover its investment over a 25-year period through a passenger security surcharge model. The company also plans to establish a local subsidiary to train more than 1,000 Pakistani citizens in relevant technologies.

Under the proposal, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would operate the system, which includes biometric-enabled border management and real-time threat detection capabilities.

In her communication with the Ministry of Defence, Baker said the US government supports the proposal as part of efforts to enhance secure and efficient travel, noting Securiport’s experience in multiple countries and its compliance standards.

The development comes as Pakistan pursues plans to implement automated border control systems, including E-gates equipped with biometric passport scanners and facial recognition technology.

Officials have said the system could reduce immigration clearance time from three to five minutes to under 45 seconds per passenger and would be integrated with the FIA’s exit control list, passenger databases and Interpol systems.

However, the E-gates project has faced scrutiny. The Senate Standing Committee on Defence raised concerns over procurement procedures and directed the Ministry of Defence to provide records for review.

Separately, Transparency International Pakistan has approached the Prime Minister’s Office, alleging violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules in the award of the E-gate project.

Earlier efforts by the Pakistan Airports Authority to procure API, PNR and E-gate systems through global tenders in 2020 and 2024 did not proceed.

Officials said the Securiport proposal could accelerate deployment of airport security systems if approved.